North Pole Magic Close to Home: Reindeer Ridge in Dover

Plan Your Next Indiana Holiday Adventure!

Owners, Cheryl and Ron Reis, and reindeer, Nova. 

(Dover, Ind.) - Reindeer Ridge in Dover is a family-owned business that began with a festive dream to keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round. Ron and Cheryl Reis with their children, Rebecca and Matt, started creating their yuletide paradise in 2015.

Cheryl’s favorite childhood movie, Prancer, about a little girl befriending a reindeer, was the inspiration for getting on the waiting list for their first two reindeer who arrived in 2017. Today the reindeer who are waiting to see you are two females: 13 year old Cupid and 2 year old Misfit, and a 2 year old, 400 pound bull named Nova.

Reindeer Ridge is a member of the Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association and a fully licensed USDA facility, meaning its fencing, feed, shelter and animal care comply with government standards. In other words, Cupid, Misfit and Nova are as pampered as Santa’s own!

Cheryl trained with Kevin and Alice Priessman of Whitetail Acres in Brookville for two years to be prepared for their reindeer’s arrival. She keeps an especially close eye on expectant reindeer mamas. Cheryl even has a cot in the calving barn so she’s there to welcome the tiny newborns.

Reindeer Ridge has produced 11 calves so far. In the lower 48 states, reindeer are pets that are mostly raised for education and conservation outreach, tourism and seasonal events.

The members of the Reis’ herd change periodically as young ones find new homes and some adults move on to keep the pens from getting crowded.

When Cupid was adopted from Alaska she made a 5 day trip that included a cruise ship and a train ride. Things change –Misfit caught a flight into Indianapolis and arrived by delivery truck!

These special creatures are ready to show off their beautiful winter fur and their enormous antlers that weigh an average 42 pounds each. Reindeer are the only deer species in which both males and females grow antlers and shed them each year. Cheryl and Ron collect the antlers that are shed and you can buy them at the gift shop. Cheryl also makes soap from reindeer milk.

Their desire to share the magic, and to make it assessable to everyone, inspired them to start field trips and group outings during the holiday season in addition to their regular scheduled carloads of visitors.

Cheryl recalls when their own kids were small and sadly missed a visit to Santa due to long lines and crowds. Driving home, they saw a neighborhood light display with Santa himself in the front yard! The joy of that surprise is something that her grown children still remember.

So they have created activities and access tailored for the special needs and ages of children’s groups so no one gets disappointed. They welcome students, scout troops, and home schoolers to schedule tours. These field trip slots fill up quickly so book your date online soon!

The children move among different stations to write and mail letters to the North Pole, make reindeer food, visit with Santa (or The Grinch!), pose for pictures by a decorated tree and sleigh, ride the holiday train, shop in the holiday shop stocked with handmade gifts by local vendors, and of course, visit with the reindeer! Helpful elves are ready to assist teachers and chaperones to make it a fun day for everyone. $10 per child.

If you’re ready to learn some interesting reindeer facts –- for instance, their ankles make a clicking sound when they walk, just like the holiday carol says, “up on the rooftop, click, click click” – and also want to make some merry memories with friends or family, gather a carload and book a self-guided tour to Meet Santa and His Reindeer.

Reserved tours - Black Friday, Saturdays and Sundays in November and December. The $75 cost is for a carload of visitors due to parking constraints. Reservations are required. Reindeer Ridge website is http://reindeerridgerentals.com